What’s it about?
Vishnu (Kiran Abbavaram), having lost his parents when he was young, devotes his life to helping those in need in his hometown of Tirupathi. When YouTuber Darshana (Kashmir) calls him for a video about the concept of number neighbours, his otherwise uncomplicated life takes many turns.
Over time, they begin to develop feelings for one another. Also, Darshana befriends her next-number neighbour Sharma (Murali Sharma). Due to her involvement in a video prank with Sharma, she finds herself in serious legal trouble and facing several years in prison.
Even if she didn’t do it, the evidence points in that direction. In what way will Vishnu demonstrate her innocence?
Analysis
A number neighbour is someone who shares your mobile phone number with the exception that the last digit is one lower or higher. This little-known concept is the base for plot point of the thriller “Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnu Katha.”
The concept is used twice in the story: once to establish a romantic thread between the hero and heroine, and again later in the story to solve the main puzzle of the crime. The concept serves well for a thriller, and also for comedy and romance.
The story takes off well, but it takes several detours before landing safely. While the plot twists are engaging, these diversions have only elongated the movie. The comedy, such as when Murali Sharma imitates popular heroes for the YouTube videos the movie’s heroine plans, is very funny, but the narrative is shaky because there are so many side steps from the main plot.
For example: when an entire song is devoted to the characterisation of the hero and his helping nature, what is the need for showing too many other sequences of the same thing?
The movie’s most impressive moments come during the climactic third act and the explosive midpoint. There should be a lot of cutting and better editing done on the other parts.
Kiran Abbavaram, as an actor, plays to his strengths by convincingly portraying a good Samaritan. But he needs to put a stop to his constant “taking classes.” Kashmira is convincing as a rural YouTube star. Murali Sharma, who plays a significant supporting role, not only keeps you entertained but also adds just the right amount of spice to the plot.
With the exception of the editor, the technical team has done a respectable job.
Bottom line: “Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnu Katha” boasts a novel concept of number neighbour. Despite its erratic pace and use of many genres, the thriller shines well in the climactic third act. It works in parts but keep your expectations in check.
Rating: 2.5/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Film: Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnu Katha
Cast: Kiran Abbavaram, Kashmira Paradesi, Murali Sharma, Praveen, and others
Music: Chaitan Bharadwaj
DOP: Daniel Viswas
Editor: Marthand K Venkatesh
Art Director: Ram Kumar
Written and directed by: Murali Kishor Abburu
Release Date: Feb 18, 2023
